after a hiking trip i developed what i now know to be a subungal hematoma on the greater part of my big toenail. the swelling and pain subsided. a few weeks later, my toenail hasn't grown out except for a dark red sort of indentation at the very base (where nail meets cuticle), at the injured part of the nail. i think the nail must be detaching itself, but does it take this long? it's been 7 weeks. is this to be expected? and more importantly, will it grow back?

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06-03-2009, 05:12 AM

#2

Marti

Senior Veteran

(female)

Join Date: Nov 2000

Location: Rosenberg, TX.

Posts: 2,600

Re: subungal hematoma, what to expect next?

It can take up to a year for the nail to replace itself from cuticle to free edge - especially with a big toe nail. The larger the nail, the longer it takes. The nail plate will detach at the point of the hematoma because the nail plate was forced from the nail bed due to the build up of blood. Once detached, it will not re-attach. As new nail plate cells are developed in the Matrix, they will push the damaged portion forward and eventually off the free edge.

06-15-2009, 03:04 AM

#3

nina741

Newbie

(female)

Join Date: Jun 2009

Posts: 2

Re: subungal hematoma, what to expect next?

thanks! there does seem to be a tiny bit of growth after the injury. it hurts once in a while but i figure it's part of the growing out process. i read that it's bad to use band aids while waiting for the nail to grow out. is first aid paper tape or micropore tape an okay alternative?

06-15-2009, 05:07 AM

#4

Marti

Senior Veteran

(female)

Join Date: Nov 2000

Location: Rosenberg, TX.

Posts: 2,600

Re: subungal hematoma, what to expect next?

It is actually best to use plain gauze and tie it onto the toe, but only do this if there is a vreak in the nail plate and it is loose.

08-21-2011, 12:12 PM

#5

BADPEDICURE

Newbie

(female)

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: HALLANDALE, FLORIDA USA

Posts: 2

Re: subungal hematoma, what to expect next?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marti

It is actually best to use plain gauze and tie it onto the toe, but only do this if there is a vreak in the nail plate and it is loose.

Will nail polish be more of a liability if I have this placed on the yellowed portion of the nail?